“Home is where the heart is”, an often quoted proverb attributed to Pliny the Elder – a Roman Author, Naturalist and Philosopher who lived from AD 23 to AD 79 (he died in the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii – how horrible!). He also coined numerous other quotable phrases such as, “The only certainty is that nothing is certain”, “In wine there is truth” and “It is generally admitted that the absent are warned by a ringing in the ears, when they are being talked about”. I could keep going with all of Pliny’s gems but today I am thinking about the “Home”.
I love the bookstore! I will concede that e-readers are here to stay and are very convenient and should be considered ecologically friendly but I still love to collect, admire and turn the pages of actual rather than virtual books. I love books with pictures, books without pictures and cookbooks (usually with pictures). I also have a soft spot for office supplies, but that is another blog. So what does this love of books have to do with the home and my heart? I came across a new book (with pictures) that warmed my heart and made me think about homes, of all types.
As a designer, I have seen many different homes. It fuels my soul to help people create a home where their heart can live. Each home has a distinct personality and takes on the life of the hearts that live there. The greatest compliment I can hope for from a client is that they feel that their house feels beautifully put together, a reflection of their life and loves and most of all it feels like home. Carson Ellis, author and illustrator, has released a charming and heart warming picture book about the many possibilities of Home.
Beautiful illustrations mark each page and a quick description of who might live in such a space. The book has been on my coffee table for all to leaf through and love, it has been read to children and inspired talk of what it means and how it feels to be home and it has prompted me to ask a new question of potential clients – What makes your house a home? The answers have been enlightening and help me do my work in a more personal way.
I consider myself a lucky woman, who has the ability to “nest” wherever I am . I love to travel but also love to feel at home in my temporary space. I always bring a book, a journal and my favorite markers when I travel and keep them out on a table or out on the desk. I always, always unpack into my temporary space – no matter how quick the trip. I like to get a little bouquet of flowers or a plant to make my space feel bright and lived in – for longer stays.
At home I am constantly nesting and re-nesting. I move things around my house to change the view or use the spaces differently depending on the season. When I clean I rearrange – I can’t help myself – guess I am in the right industry. I find that a quick clean or a deep spring clean reminds me of what is in my home that I love and I rotate things and rearrange things to enjoy them and not forget about them. While this might seem like basic organizing (Which is also a love of mine) but I think of it more as wrapping myself in my space. I find comfort and serenity in a space that feels lived in and loved – whether I am by myself or home with my family around me. This might sound more materialistic than comforting but I mean it more as appreciation for a roof over my head (no matter where) surrounded by people and a collection of things that bring peace, familiarity and often a story to my world.
What makes your space feel like home?